Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has played down concerns surrounding a viral on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s recent AFCON 2025 match, insisting that the incident has been blown out of proportion.
The moment, which quickly gained traction on social media, sparked debates among fans and pundits who questioned whether tensions were brewing within the Super Eagles camp.
However, speaking calmly and confidently on the issue, Mikel said the brief confrontation should be viewed as a clear sign of commitment, passion, and competitiveness rather than any form of division or disrespect within the squad.
Mikel Defends On-Field Passion
The former Chelsea and Nigeria midfield general shared his thoughts on the incident during an episode of the Obi One Podcast, where he analysed the exchange between the two star forwards in detail.
According to Mikel, such moments are common in high-stakes matches, especially when players are fully invested in the outcome and desperate to secure victory for their country.
He explained that arguments on the pitch often stem from high expectations players place on one another, particularly in competitive tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I like the fact that they both had an argument on the pitch. I like that they had a fight on the pitch. I want to see that,” Mikel said, stressing that intensity should not be mistaken for indiscipline.
Mikel further noted that football is an emotional game and that elite players naturally react when things do not go according to plan during crucial moments.
Drawing from his wealth of experience at both club and international level, the former midfielder explained that successful teams are rarely built on friendliness alone.
“I’ve never seen a nice team that wins trophies,” he added, pointing out that strong personalities often clash because everyone is pushing toward the same goal.
He emphasized that what truly matters is how players respond after such incidents, noting that Osimhen and Lookman continued to work together for the benefit of the team.
Mikel also highlighted that disagreements are healthy as long as they remain on the pitch and do not spill into the dressing room or affect team unity.
In his view, the intensity displayed by the duo reflects the winning mentality needed to compete at the highest level.
He concluded by describing the moment as a positive signal ahead of Nigeria’s future matches, stating that hunger, accountability, and passion are essential ingredients for success at AFCON 2025 and beyond.